Bitumen is a hydrocarbon material found in dark brown and black colors. It readily dissolves in substances like carbon disulfide and tetrachlorocarbon. This solidifies at room temperature but transforms into a semi-solid state with increased temperature. Bitumens are composed of various compounds, categorized into heterocyclic compounds, saturated hydrocarbons, polar aromatic compounds such as phenol, naphthalene, and multi-ring aromatic compounds.
Major Types of Bitumen:
Bitumens are broadly classified into three categories based on production methods, characteristics, specifications, and capabilities:
- Solution Bitumens: Examples include MC, RC, SC bitumens.
- Emulsion Bitumens: Examples include CMS, CRS, CSS bitumens.
- Pure Bitumens: Examples include penetration-grade bitumens like 70-60 and PG bitumens like 30-75.
Each type has distinct properties and applications, finding use in diverse industries such as asphalt production for road construction, insulation, paint manufacturing, adhesive production, and building construction.
Import Procedures to Russia from Iran:
Exporting bitumen to Russia involves several steps and precautions:
- Obtain an export license from the Iranian Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade.
- Obtain a special export license from the Iranian Ministry of Petroleum for exports to India, China, and Russia.
- Submit cargo transportation documents through the Iranian exporter to the Iranian bank for transaction approval.
- Send a copy of the contract to the Russian National Bank (RFC).
- Confirm the contract and conduct necessary inspections by the Russian National Bank.
- Present the Russian bank’s approval and request to the Export Development Bank of Iran.
- Adhere to the required quality and technical standards in the Russian market.
- Comply with Russian customs and tax regulations.
Bitumen Production in Iran:
Iran’s bitumen production primarily occurs in oil refineries and petrochemical plants. Oil refineries obtain bitumen through crude oil distillation, while petrochemical plants produce bitumen from petroleum by-products such as vacuum bottom or naphtha. Notable production facilities in Iran include Tehran Refinery, Arak Refinery, Shiraz Refinery, Tabriz Refinery, Bandar Abbas Refinery, Abadan Refinery, Isfahan Refinery, Alborz Bitumen Production Plant, Iran Bitumen Production Plant, and various private manufacturers.
Annually, Iran produces around 6 million tons of bitumen, with approximately 4 million tons allocated for exports and 2 million tons for domestic consumption. The estimated total value of this production is around $1.5 billion. Iran is recognized as the largest producer and exporter of bitumen in the Middle East and maintains significant trade ties with Russia. In 2020, about 4 million tons of bitumen were exported, with around $370 million sent to Russia.
Packaging of Iranian Bitumen for Export:
For bitumen export to various countries, different packaging options are employed, including barrels, jumbo bags, poly bags, and bitubags*. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Barrels are metallic and require heating for bitumen discharge. Jumbo bags are large plastic bags with a nylon inner layer, capable of withstanding high temperatures for complete bitumen melting. Poly bags are plastic bags used for powder or granule bitumen, while bitubags are thicker plastic bags for liquid bitumen.
* Bitu bag or bitumen bag is a type of flexible and biomass packaging for bitumen, which consists of an outer plastic bag and an inner layer. Bitu bag can hold up to 1000 kg of bitumen and is usually used for packing 70/60 bitumen and 100/80 bitumen. Bito Bag has advantages such as saving costs of transportation, storage and energy consumption.
Factors Affecting Bitumen Prices:
Several factors influence bitumen prices, including the type and quality of bitumen, packaging type and capacity, discounts, transportation costs, supply and demand, and trade sanctions and export regulations.
